The description of the Jews as the
"chosen people" has been gravely and ominously misunderstood. It was
(wrongly) thought to proclaim the Jews as God's favorites, and superior to
others. The concept of the "chosen people" has a totally different
meaning.

The Jews were "chosen" by God, the
Bible tells, solely to be his witnesses, "My servant," in the words
of the prophet Isaiah (43:10). As a people of religion, they were to spread
God's message worldwide. It was their mission not to be above other men but to
serve them.

This did not confer on, or entitle the Jews to
any extra privilege. On the contrary, it imposed on them special
responsibilities and obligations. If they failed to observe these, according to
Amos' words (3:2), they would incur God's punishment.